RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Jacksonville Jaguars had their first training camp practice with new running back Chris Rodriguez in attendance, though head coach Liam Coen said it offered only a small glimpse into what Rodriguez can offer.
Rodriguez missed much of Jacksonville’s offseason program while recovering from surgery on a foot injury, delaying his opportunity to begin fighting for a role in the backfield.
The Jaguars signed the former Commanders running back after Travis Etienne departed in free agency, but Rodriguez’s value is tied largely to a bruising style that is difficult to evaluate before the pads come on.
Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence speak to the media. @paramountplus | #DUUUVAL https://t.co/4rwZHbqAM3
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 29, 2026 "What he brings to this team, I don't think any of us are going to see throughout the entire training camp, honestly," Coen said. "Until we play tackle football, it's going to be very difficult for all of us here to gain a true appreciation for who he is and what he does. I've seen it, so I do appreciate his skill set and what he brings. But just as a pro, he's a good dude. He doesn't say a ton, but he's tough. He's one of those glass-eaters. He is. He's going to run through a wall for his teammates, for his coaches, for this organization when the time comes."
Coen also said it had been difficult for Rodriguez to miss earlier training opportunities in the offseason as he rehabbed from surgery.
"He was so down," Coen said. "It was a frustrating time, when you get here and get hurt on the first day. I think he was pleased just to be able to get out here, be with his teammates, take some coaching points, and knowing that the best of C-Rod will not be seen until the pads come on and we play tackle."
Rodriguez' physicality is a significant part of why Jacksonville signed him. He rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries last season, but he has never been given a full-time NFL workload, and therefore, never truly had the chance to prove himself.
The Jaguars are not necessarily looking for Rodriguez to replace Etienne on his own, but to bring a more punishing element to a backfield that also features Bhayshul Tuten’s explosiveness and LeQuint Allen’s pass-catching and ball security.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Liam Coen says Jaguars haven't seen best of Chris Rodriguez yet
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